Rotterdam raised me, now I help raise the next generation.
Paulo Lopes is a dynamic Youth Project Manager for Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) in Rotterdam; one of Europe’s largest maritime festivals. With a background in community engagement, creative storytelling, and youth empowerment, Paulo bridges the gap between the port industry and the next generation. He designs and leads innovative programs that connect young people to career opportunities, culture, and the future of the maritime world.
I build bridges by connecting young people from diverse communities to the maritime world through storytelling, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. By linking culture, education, and industry, I create spaces where youth feel seen, inspired, and empowered to shape their own future in Rotterdam’s evolving port city.